Gross anatomical studies on the os coxae and femur of Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

The study was undertaken on three adult Emu birds. The two large os coxae were less widely separated. No symphysis was found between opposite pelvic bones. The ilium was lying vertical to the long axis of the body. The fossa renalis was absent. The short pre acetabular part was in the form of rough quadrilateral plate while the long post acetabular part was in the form of elongated triangle. The acetabulum was perforated. The large antitrochanter was found on caudodorsal part of acetabulum. The ischium resembled stylohyoid of cattle. The foramen ischaidicum was in the form of a long ilio-ischiatic incisure. Pubis was a thin rod like bone directed backwards parallel to the ischium. The large ischiopubic incisure was divided incompletely into oval obturator foramen cranially and elongated slit caudally. In femur fovea capitis was absent. Trochanter major was very large. A large foramen was found on posterior surface of femur. Trochanter minor was in the form of a small tubercle. The distal extremity consisted trochlea with asymmetrical ridges cranially and asymmetrical condyles caudally. The patella was absent.